Cup may not be a priority but confidence is important

15 January 2013 05:39

Dons Vs Owls: Team news & preview

Sheffield Wednesday travel to Milton Keynes for their F.A. Cup 3rd round replay tonight with the prize of a 4th round tie against QPR or West Brom on offer.

With the Owls battling to get out of trouble in the Championship and the Dons looking to gain promotion into the 2nd tier the cup may not be of critical importance for either club at this stage but a confidence boosting cup run could aid league form while a defeat is likely to have a detrimental effect on the morale of the players.

Wednesday will have felt a great lift from their excellent performance in winning at Hull City on Saturday and they will want to carry that momentum forward. MK have struggled at home recently and a win for them may help them to get back on track in the league.

The Owls will be without on loan Manchester City winger Jeremy Helan as he is cup-tied. David Prutton will also miss out as he completes a suspension. Stephen Bywater is likely to replace Chris Kirkland in goal as he has done in most of Wednesday’s cup games this season.

Dave Jones has plenty of fringe players to call upon should he wish to rest players ahead of Saturday’s league game with Wolves.

MK Dons could welcome back former Owls right-back Jon Otsemobor. The defender has been sidelined with a groin injury recently. Ex-Owls striker Ryan Lowe could miss out however as he has picked up an injury since featuring in the 0-0 draw between the 2 sides just over a week ago.

Gary MacKenzie, who has not started a game since September, could return to the Dons defence but striker Izale McLeod is cup-tied.

Wednesday have lost just once in their last 7 games and have only conceded 3 goals in this spell. MK Dons have only won 2 of their last 7 matches and have not won any of their last 3 home games.